Evidence supporting the use of: Royal jelly
For the health condition: Convalescence

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Royal jelly has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian and Eastern European cultures, as a tonic for general health, vitality, and recovery from illness—commonly termed "convalescence." In these traditions, royal jelly is prized for its nutrient-rich profile, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and unique bioactive compounds, which are thought to help restore strength and energy after sickness. Folk healers have recommended royal jelly for weak or recovering individuals, and it has been incorporated into tonics and supplements for this purpose.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited evidence to substantiate these claims. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest royal jelly may have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties, and a few small human studies have indicated potential benefits such as improved well-being or fatigue reduction. However, direct, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating royal jelly for convalescence or recovery from illness in humans are lacking. The available studies are often small, lack rigorous controls, or do not focus specifically on post-illness recovery.

In summary, the use of royal jelly for convalescence is mainly justified by tradition and historical precedent rather than strong scientific validation. While its rich nutritional content and some preliminary research provide a rationale for its use, more robust clinical evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy for supporting recovery after illness.

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